Gail K. Krohn

Gail Krohn was a woman who everyone seemed to know. For some it was because she was often the one in charge of events while others knew her because of her volunteer efforts in her church. However, the part of Gail that had the most significant impact on the hearts and lives of those around her was her tender heart that seemed to have no boundaries or limits. She had a special place in her heart for all children and her own family was her greatest source of joy. Gail was a woman of faith whose life was a shining reflection of the Christian beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. During a year in which the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union began, rock n roll was gaining momentum worldwide, and West Side Story debuted on Broadway, 1957 was certainly a year to remember. This was also a year of great significance in the family of Aart and Mary Ann (McCarthy) DeHeer as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Gail Kathleen, on April 23rd. Gail joined older brother Donald and older sister Linda in her family and was raised in the family home in Grand Haven. Her father worked for Obergs while her mother stayed home and tended to the household needs. Even during her early years Gail appreciated the enormous worth in family relationships as their extended family was a close-knit group and often gathered for Christmas parties and picnics. Their family also had a rather unusual dog named Mitzi who loved to drink beer! During her formative years it was easy to see certain aspects of Gails personality emerging. One such trait was that she was always active and involved in many things. Gail attended Peach Plains Elementary and took dance at the Markle Dance Studio and later at Spotlight Dance Academy. She was close to her cousin Dawn and the girls enjoyed taking dance together. Gail loved dressing up for Halloween, spending time outdoors, and camping with her family. She was a cheerleader during eighth and ninth grades and was very involved as a high school student at Grand Haven High School. She had a take charge personality and was responsible for many activities at her high school including the homecoming parade one year. It was no problem for Gail when she couldnt find any drivers to pull the homecoming floats. She simply had the students pull the floats like horses with Gail doing the very same thing as the lead horse! Gail was very artistic and enjoyed making crafts, and she also had a knack for directions. Although once when traveling with her uncle to Hilton, North Carolina, Gail missed an entire state while her uncle dozed off and it was her turn to drive! With her high school education behind her, Gail was ready to move forward with her life. She and her cousin Dawn rented a home in Grand Haven and they lived together until Dawn got married. Gail worked at Baker Engineering where a friend kept telling her about a guy that she should go out with that worked for the City of Grand Haven named David Krohn. A the same time this mutual friend told Dave about a beautiful girl named Gail DeHeer. Eventually Gail and David were introduced and since they both felt a bit of a spark, they decided to go on a date on Halloween night. Neither was spooked that night and they were engaged on Christmas day just over one year later. They were married on September 24, 1988 which marked the beginning of an abiding love. Gail and David enjoyed spending time together frequently camping, canoeing, traveling, and taking long weekends away. She worked at the Contour Roll and David worked for the City of Grand Haven, but their focus soon shifted as they were blessed with two wonderful children, Maegan and Davis. It was easy to see that her family occupied a prominent place in Gails heart. One of their favorite things to do as a family was camp. Gail used to wash her children in a basin bowl to keep them clean while camping, and she always made sure the family had more than enough food for their trips. They took trips, usually camping, to destinations such as Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, Mount Rushmore, and the Wisconsin Dells. They frequently traveled up north to Gails fathers cabin too. Gail affectionately called her daughter Little Gail, and she especially loved doing arts and crafts with her children. Their dog, Daisy Mae, and cat, Lizard, were also important parts of their family. Perhaps the only thing more important to Gail than her family was her faith. She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Grand Haven where she was involved in a variety of ways. Gail taught preschoolers Sunday school and was on the youth board as well. She began working at St. Johns Lutheran School as a custodian about six or seven years ago. She did so much more than what her job required simply out of the love she had for others in her heart. Gail often walked the school kids back and forth from band and was in charge of both the rummage sale and annual auction. She even served lunch at times and ran the last day of school known as fun day. Gails spirit of generosity extended much further than just her church and their school, however. In fact, she was always putting others first no matter what she was doing. Gail loved to care for children and even did daycare for a time. She house-sat for friends and neighbors, and took care of her neighbor until his death. The last few years were difficult at times for Gail. She was deeply saddened with her mothers death three years ago and then just one-and-a-half years ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer herself. Gail went through chemotherapy while fighting her disease with every ounce of strength she had. Even when her cancer had spread to her lungs and she was on oxygen herself, she continued to care for her father. Sadly her will could not overcome the challenge her body was not strong enough to conquer. Gail Krohn was an organized woman who made taking charge seem effortless. She was a selfless caregiver even until her last days. Gail loved so many throughout her lifetime although her greatest love was always for her family and her Lord. She was accepting and never one to hold a grudge truly an extraordinary woman who will be so dearly missed. Gail K. Krohn died Monday, December 14, 2009. Gails family includes her husband, David; son Davis Krohn; daughter, Maegan Krohn; father, Aart DeHeer; brother, Donald (Patty) DeHeer; sister, Linda King; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gail was preceded in death by her mother. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Dieter Haupt officiating. Visit with Gails friends and family and friends on Thursday, 3-6 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church & School. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to St. John's Lutheran Church & School.